Superstar Aamir Khan made headlines recently when he initiated a video call with renowned wrestler Vinesh Phogat upon her return to India from the Paris Olympics 2024. Visuals and snippets of their engaging conversation have been circulating widely on social media platforms, igniting a wave of curiosity and excitement among netizens. This buzz is predominantly due to Aamir Khan’s celebrated blockbuster film ‘Dangal,’ which chronicles the life of Mahavir Phogat and his daughters Geeta and Babita. Given that Vinesh Phogat is Mahavir Phogat’s niece, the dialogue between Aamir and Vinesh has led many to speculate about the possibility of a sequel to ‘Dangal’ focusing on Vinesh’s inspiring journey.
The recent Paris Olympics 2024 brought both triumph and tribulation for Vinesh Phogat. She made history with her commendable victory in the semifinal match of the women’s 50 kg freestyle wrestling category. However, her journey hit a roadblock just before the finals as she faced disqualification due to being overweight by a mere 100 grams, preventing her from competing for the gold. Instead of letting this setback dampen her spirits, Phogat returned to India to a warm and festive reception.
Aamir Khan, famous for his meticulous and profound portrayals in cinema, took time to congratulate Phogat through a video call. He praised her for the indomitable strength and courage she displayed during the Paris Olympics, emphasizing that her journey and the battles she fought on the mat were testament to her champion spirit. Sharing moments from this video call, a fan page on Instagram noted, “Good touch from Aamir Khan. Over a video call, he congratulated Vinesh Phogat for her stupendous fight in Paris. Reminded her that her three fights were proof of her champion mentality.” This gesture included former wrestler Kripa Shankar, who had served as a mentor for the actors of ‘Dangal.’
Upon her return, Vinesh Phogat was celebrated and honoured with a gold medal by the Sarvkhap Panchayat in Rohtak. The ceremony was filled with heartfelt tributes and acknowledgements of her efforts and achievements despite the unfortunate turn of events in Paris.
. Addressing an audience at the felicitation event, Ms. Phogat spoke with a resolve that reflected her fighting spirit. “My fight has not ended, it has rather just begun. The fight for our daughters’ honour has just started. We said the same thing during our sit-in,” she stated, emphasizing the continuous struggle and her commitment to advocate for women in sports.
Aside from her Olympic endeavors, Vinesh has been in the spotlight for her activism. She actively participated in the protests led by wrestlers from Haryana against the then Wrestling Federation of India chief and BJP leader Brijbhushan Sharan Singh over allegations of sexual harassment. Reflecting on her experience, she shared, “When I could not play in Paris, I thought I was very unfortunate but after returning to India and experiencing all the love and support here, I feel that I am very fortunate.” This expression of gratitude underscored the overwhelming support and encouragement she received from her community and fans.
Phogat also highlighted the significance of such recognitions, stating that they not only boost her morale but also send a powerful message to other women sportspersons that their communities stand solidly behind them, even during challenging times. “I will forever be indebted for this honour which is above any medal,” she added, her voice filled with emotion and gratitude.
The heartwarming interaction between Aamir Khan and Vinesh Phogat has not only captured the imagination of fans but has also sparked a broader conversation about the continued representation of inspiring stories in Indian cinema. With the legacy of ‘Dangal’ still fresh in the minds of moviegoers, many are hopeful that Vinesh’s journey might inspire another compelling chapter on the silver screen.
As both Aamir Khan and Vinesh Phogat continue their respective journeys in their fields, the shared moment between the superstar and the wrestler remains a beacon of mutual admiration and respect, showcasing the power of sports and cinema to unite and inspire. Whether or not this interaction leads to ‘Dangal 2,’ it has undoubtedly strengthened the bond between one of Bollywood’s biggest icons and one of India’s most accomplished athletes, providing a narrative rich with potential and inspiration for future generations.
